As I've mentioned on Instagram before, I choose to exercise regularly, for not only the general health benefits, but also because I have an absurd amount of energy since my Celiac has gotten under control (I drink minimal coffee and no other caffeine). After work, I have a lot of energy stored up from sitting for several hours and have to "run around" to get out all that energy from the day. My preference is post-work workouts and I alternate my days between running, circuit training, weightlifting, and sprints. A healthy balance! 

Now, I've never been one for long-distance running, but something inside me made me want to give it a try. Week after week I do my 'long runs' on Mondays, and for the past few months, I've actually made some progress! I'm amazed at how far I've come  - and gone - since only pushing the time and distance fairly recently. Today I ran 5.25 miles (first time ever) and I felt incredible! Was it easy? Not entirely. Was it fun? A little. Was it impossible? Nope. I'm proud and impressed that I stuck to my plan and am really getting further along with my weekly Monday Mileage. It just goes to show that if you put your mind to something, and don't give up, anything's possible. Also, my 'reward' for the distance was an awesome dinner: turkey meat sauce with GF brown rice penne pasta. Scrumptious! And well worth it in the long run (HA).

Dinner notes: For this meal, we used one box (12 oz.) of Jovial Foods brown rice GF Penne Rigate, as well as fresh plum tomatoes, Vidalia onions, lots of fresh garlic, basil, red pepper flakes, and coarse sea salt. Our protein choice was one pound of lean turkey meat, but we have also used chicken, and a meatloaf blend (beef, pork, veal), in other instances of this same dish. Either way, we always use one pound of the selected protein. What I love about this meal is that it's pretty simple ingredient-wise and packs a big flavor punch. And it always provides lots of leftovers! My husband loves taking those for work lunch the next day. Win-win all around! Enjoy!